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The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby is set to start at 8 p.m. ET today, live on Netflix from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
It’s the first time in over 30 years that an outlet other than ESPN will air the event. But it’s also the first time that the Home Run Derby rules feature a swing-based format — meaning there will no longer be a timer or an outs-based format for each turn.
In addition, the 8-hitter field will become a 4-hitter bracket after the first round, followed by a head-to-head championship.
Below, we’ll explain the full 2026 Home Run Derby rules and everything you need to know before making your Home Run Derby predictions tonight!
Make Home Run Derby picks on winner, Round 2 qualifiers, and more on PrizePicks now!
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2026 MLB Home Run Derby Rules & Format
Before you make your Home Run Derby picks, it’s important to know how the Home Run Derby rules have changed in 2026. This year, it will go from the previous timed, outs-based format to a swing-based format in all three rounds.
Here’s how the MLB Home Run Derby rules work in each round:
- Round 1: 20 swings each. Four players with the most home runs advance. Ties decided by the longest individual home run.
- Round 2 (Semifinals): 15 swings each. Players are seeded 1-4 based on their Round 1 totals. 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3 — winner advances.
- Finals: Two remaining hitters take 15 swings each to determine the champion.
One important rule to note: If a player hits a home run on their final swing of any round, they get to keep swinging until they fail to hit a home run.
2026 MLB Home Run Derby Bracket, Favorites to Advance
After the first round, the MLB Home Run Derby will move to a four-batter bracket, with the player who hit the most Home Runs in Round 1 going head-to-head with the player who hit the fourth-most. The second and third most will also face off in the bracket.
The winner in each of those matchups will face-off in the Finals.
Find our Home Run Derby predictions here — including winners and longest HR
MLB Home Run Derby Favorites to Advance to Round 2
Here are the payouts for each Home Run Derby participant to advance to Round 2 — which means they need to be top four in Round 1 home runs hit.
Payouts via PrizePicks Team Picks, where you can make Home Run Derby picks on the winner, players to advance to Round 2, 500+ foot home runs, and more in 35 states!
The Home Run Derby payouts listed below indicate real-money earnings if a prediction is correct; for example, a 2x on a $100 entry pays out $200 on PrizePicks Team Picks. Payouts are live as of writing but are subject to change.
Make Home Run Derby Round 1 predictions on PrizePicks now!
2026 Home Run Derby Favorites: Schwarber, Caminero the Favorites
Here are the overall favorites to win the Home Run Derby, based on payouts on PrizePicks Team Picks. A lower payout on Yes represents a higher implied chance to win.
Make predictions on the 2026 Home Run Derby winner on PrizePicks now!
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What Time is the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby?
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 13, live on Netflix. It may be a shorter event this year, with a swing-based format — but it should last around 2 hours.
Before and during the Home Run Derby, you can make predictions on who will run the 8-participant bracket and win the Derby on PrizePicks Team Picks.
Make your Home Run Derby predictions now on PrizePicks
How to Watch the 206 MLB Home Run Derby?
Netflix will exclusively air the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby. You will need an active Netflix subscription to watch the Home Run Derby tonight, as it will not be broadcast on traditional cable.
2026 Home Run Derby Predictions, Picks
Our MLB experts have broken down their favorite Home Run Derby picks leading up to the event today.
Find all of our 2026 Home Run Derby picks in the articles below:
- Hometown Heroes? Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper Home Run Derby Picks
- Home Run Derby Predictions: Winner, Longest HR, Final
- Home Run Derby Picks for Caminero, Harper, Caglianone
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Make Your 2026 MLB Home Run Derby Picks on PrizePicks
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will have some home-field flavor, as Phillies stars Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are set to compete in the event again.
The Home Run Derby also has a set of rules this year. For the first time in its history, the event will be based on total swings, rather than outs or the most home runs within the time limit.
Don’t wait until the first pitch happens — make your 2026 MLB Home Run Derby picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.
Pick MLB All-Stars, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right on the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game. With Team Picks, you can make predictions on the winners in every All-Star Week event.
Stay locked in on Playbook for daily MLB predictions, picks, and news every day all the way through MLB All-Star Week.
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